The Ins and Outs of Being a CHPN®

/ Exam Prep / By / August 29, 2025
Share

Considering CHPN® Certification? Here’s What You Need to Know

(With excerpts from Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Exam Review, by Patricia Moyle Wright, PhD, CRNP, CNS, CHPN, CNE)

What Does a CHPN Do?

A Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) provides compassionate, holistic care to patients at the end of life. Their role includes:

  • Managing pain and symptoms to ensure patient comfort.

  • Providing personal care, guidance, and emotional support to both patients and families.

  • Collaborating with physicians, social workers, and spiritual leaders as part of the care team.

  • Working across settings such as inpatient hospice centers, hospitals, nursing homes, or home care.

Above all, CHPNs combine clinical expertise with empathy and resilience. Families may be experiencing loss for the first time, so balancing compassion with professional boundaries is critical. By supporting dignity at life’s end and guiding families through grief, CHPNs play an essential role in palliative care.

How Do I Become a CHPN?

To qualify for CHPN certification, you must:

  • Hold an active RN license in the U.S. or Canada.

  • Complete the required practice hours in hospice and palliative nursing.

Once eligible, you’ll sit for the CHPN exam offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC). Certification is valid for four years and requires renewal to maintain your credential.

👉 For full details on eligibility, fees, and the application process, see our Step-by-Step Guide to CHPN Certification.

Preparing for the Exam

Studying for the CHPN exam requires both knowledge review and test-taking strategies. A highly recommended resource is:

  • Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Exam Review – Includes 300 practice Q&As with detailed rationales, exam tips, and guidance to help you prepare with confidence.

See also  Read a Real CHPN®'s Story!

Pair this with practice questions, flashcards, and study schedules for the best results.

Resources

Springer Publishing Editorial Staff
Follow
Latest posts by Springer Publishing Editorial Staff (see all)
Share

Must Read